Forex & Market News

Dec 09 - Oil prices extended gains on optimism that non-OPEC producers would agree to cut output following a cartel agreement to limit production, but the upside was limited amid uncertainty over the size of the production curbs.

- Gold edged lower and was headed for a fifth straight weekly decline, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar and expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike next week.

- London copper was set to close the week higher, after robust China imports in November offered more evidence that the world's No.2 economy is on a recovery track.

- Chicago soybean futures lost more ground, with the market set for a second week of losses as an improving outlook for weather in Argentina boosted hopes for another year of bumper supplies.

The U.S. Commodity and Exchange Commission faced tough questions from a federal judge on Wednesday over whether the agency could support its claims that a Chicago trading firm and its founder had manipulated the price of a futures contract.During closing arguments in the non-jury trial in Manhattan federal court, CFTC lawyer Traci Rodriguez urged U.S. District Judge Richard Sullivan to find Don Wilson and a unit of his firm DRW Holdings LLC liable for engaging in market manipulation. Click here to read full stories.

Dec 08 - Oil prices edged up in thin trading after steep falls in the previous session, supported by a weaker dollar, positive economic data and a drawdown in U.S. crude stocks.

- Gold prices edged up, buoyed as a fall in the dollar along with long-dated U.S. Treasury bond yields ahead of a European Central Bank meeting prompted safe-haven buying of the precious metal.

- London copper futures edged up after losses the session before, buoyed as the U.S. dollar lost ground.

- U.S. wheat futures edged up to move away from a five-day low touched in the previous session, though ample global supply capped gains.

- The euro edged up and traded near a three-week high against the dollar ahead of a European Central Bank policy decision, as the greenback lost momentum from the recent pull-back in U.S. bond yields.

Dec 07 - Oil prices slipped on persistent doubts whether a planned crude production cut led by OPEC and Russia would be deep enough to end a supply overhang that has dogged markets for over two years.

- Gold edged lower after upbeat U.S. data supported the view that the world's biggest economy may be strong enough for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates next week.

- The euro and dollar were steady as traders paused for the outcome of Thursday's European Central Bank policy meeting, which may set the tone for currency markets after the sharp moves in the wake of last month's U.S. election.

- London copper rose, buoyed by signs that global manufacturing activity will return to a firmer footing next year and as metals attracted fresh interest from investors.

- Chicago corn futures edged lower with prices falling after three days of gains on expectations of bumper production in Brazil early next year.

Dec 06 - Morgan Stanley's commodities head swaps swagger for small and smart

Nancy King, global head of commodities trading at Morgan Stanley, has spent the last few years remodeling what used to be one of the most profitable units on Wall Street, by downsizing and focusing on smaller, smart trades for customers instead of the big, risky bets it used to make on its own account. The shift in strategy, which has cut the size of Morgan Stanley's commodities business by roughly two thirds, was largely forced on the bank by post-financial crisis regulations that banned banks from using their own money on potentially risky speculation, and increased capital requirements. Click here to read full stories.

Dec 06 - U.S. commodities regulator sidesteps finalizing new rules

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission on Monday revised its proposed rules for limiting positions that traders can hold in the commodity markets, dashing expectations that it would finalize the rules by year-end. The CFTC has been working on the rules since the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law called for limits on futures, options and physical commodity swaps contracts in order to prevent fraud and manipulation. CFTC Chairman Timothy Massad had said he anticipated the commission would finalize them before the end of the year.Click here to read full stories.

Dec 06 - Oil prices eased early in Asia as crude output rises in virtually every major export region despite plans by OPEC and Russia to cut production, triggering fears that a fuel glut that has dogged markets for over two years might last well into 2017.

- Gold inched up as bargain-hunters moved in after prices touched their lowest in 10 months the session before, but a possible U.S. rate hike as early as next week capped gains.

- The euro steadied, having bounced from a near 21-month low set the previous day after Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's loss in a referendum over constitutional reform, an outcome that traders had widely expected.

- London zinc dipped, taking a breather following last session's 3.7 percent rally, with copper dropping 1 percent after notching its biggest one-day gain in nearly a month.

- Chicago corn futures edged lower as the market took a breather after notching up its biggest one-day gain in almost eight weeks on strong demand and slow selling by U.S. farmers.

China will add products such as crude oil futures and white sugar and soybean meal options to meet market demand for commodity trading, a senior official from China's security regulator said on Saturday according to a statement posted on the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) website. China also plans to add iron ore and natural rubber to futures markets before gradually expanding to other products, in a push for further internationalisation and to attract more overseas investors, vice chairman Fang Xinghai said at a conference in Shenzhen.Click here to read full stories.

Dec 05 - Oil prices fell by one percent as a higher U.S. rig count unsettled markets amid nagging concern that output cuts, planned as part of concerted action between producer club OPEC and Russia, might not be as big as initially anticipated.

- Gold prices dipped, giving up early gains as the U.S. dollar rose on expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will raise interest rates at its policymaking meeting next week.

- The euro tumbled after Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said he would resign as he conceded defeat in a referendum over his plan to reform the constitution, raising political uncertainty in the euro zone.

- London copper advanced on an improving demand outlook and concerns about supply constraints next year, while Shanghai nickel extended gains after the Philippines said it would close more mines on environmental grounds.

Commodities trader and miner Glencore said on Thursday it would pay $1 billion in dividends in 2017 and more the following year while keeping its investment grade credit rating, which remains its top priority. Glencore a year ago was one of the miners hardest hit by a commodity price crash and has been one of the biggest gainers as the markets have recovered this year.Click here to read full stories.

Dec 02 - Rule breakers face bigger possible fines from CME Group

CME Group Inc plans to strengthen efforts to deter wrongdoing in markets by raising the maximum possible fine for rule breakers, the company said on Thursday, further raising the stakes for rogue traders following the first U.S. criminal convictions for the manipulative practice known as spoofing. The owner of the Chicago Board of Trade, New York Mercantile Exchange and other markets is preparing to increase the top monetary penalty to $5 million per offense from $1 million starting on Dec. 14, according to a notice sent to clients.Click here to read full stories.

CME Group Inc will set a monthly record for trading volumes in November, a top executive said on Wednesday, as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's surprise victory has injected uncertainty into markets. Three of CME's top 10 trading days for volumes have occurred since Trump's election on Nov. 8, and volumes have been averaging more than 20 million contracts per day, said John Pietrowicz, CME's chief financial officer, on a webcast of a JP Morgan investor conference.

Dec 01 - Oil prices shot up 13 percent, smashing trading volume records, after OPEC and Russia cut a deal to reduce output to drain a global supply glut, but analysts warned they could remain modest by historical comparison as other producers fill the gap.

- Gold dropped to its lowest price in nearly 10 months as the dollar held firm around 9-1/2 month highs against the yen, boosted by inflation expectations, while growing odds of a U.S. interest rate hike also added pressure.

- Shanghai copper futures climbed nearly 2 percent, recovering some of the previous session's steep losses, as a rally in oil prices filtered through to other commodities.

- Chicago wheat slid for a sixth session, declining to its lowest in almost two weeks, as an improved U.S. weather outlook for winter crops and a firmer dollar weighed on prices.

Nov 30 - Oil prices rose as much as 2 percent after an Iraqi delegate said that some form of deal would be reached between OPEC members who are meeting in Vienna to agree terms of a production cut to rein in oversupply.

- Gold was on track for its biggest monthly decline since June 2013, largely pressured by an imminent U.S. interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in December on expectations of improving economic growth.

- Shanghai metals came under heavy selling pressure, with zinc, copper and lead down sharply as worries about a cash crunch in China were compounded by ShFE measures to curb a searing rally in steel.

- Chicago soybean futures lost more ground to fall further from 4-1/2 month highs, with improved weather for planting crops in Brazil and Argentina weighing on prices.

- The dollar pared earlier losses against the yen and euro and edged up, as U.S. debt yields resumed their ascent.

Nov 29 - Oil prices fell on market jitters over whether producer cartel OPEC will be able to hammer out a meaningful output cut during a meeting on Wednesday aimed at reining in a global supply overhang and propping up prices.

- Gold slipped as the dollar steadied, with markets on edge ahead of a meeting this week that could see oil producers curb output.

- Shanghai lead futures jumped more than 7 percent in early trade, outpacing more widely traded metals contracts and adding to concerns about a speculative build-up in commodity prices.

- Chicago soybean futures edged lower, as the market took a breather after seven sessions of gains, which were driven by strong demand for the oilseed and its products.

Nov 28 - Oil prices fell, adding to Friday's steep losses as doubts re-emerged over the ability of major producers to agree output cuts at a planned meeting on Wednesday aimed at reining in global oversupply.

- Gold rose over 1 percent, recovering from 9-1/2 month lows, as the U.S. dollar extended losses after touching a near 14-year high last week.

- London Metal Exchange zinc surged to its highest in nine years and lead hit a five-year peak as a searing rally in metals gained steam on a softer dollar and inflation expectations.

- Chicago soybeans rose 1.2 percent and hit their highest since July, buoyed by strong U.S. weekly exports and a weaker dollar .

Nov 25 - Oil prices fell more than 1 percent as a strong dollar and a rise in Saudi supplies to some Asian clients, weighed on markets, despite a planned OPEC-led output cut to be decided next week.

- Gold fell 1 percent to its lowest in 9-1/2 months in Asian trade, heading for a third consecutive weekly decline, on expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike and as the dollar extended its bull run against the yen.

- London zinc rose, nearing an eight-year high touched in the previous session, on bets that demand was picking up faster than supply amid a broad-based rally across the metals complex.

- The dollar rose to an 8-month high against the yen as U.S. bond yields resumed their rise in Asia after the Thanksgiving break shut markets in the United States.

Nov 24 - Oil prices fell in Asian trade, reversing earlier gains, as doubts re-emerged over whether OPEC would agree to a crude oil production cut at a ministerial meeting next week.

- Gold stuck to a narrow range in Asian trade ahead of release of minutes from the Federal Reserve policy meeting earlier this month amid expectations of an interest rate hike in December.

- London copper was little changed in Asian trade after overnight gains on signs of rising U.S. inflation and further depreciation in the yuan.

- The dollar hovered near a recent 13 1/2-year peak, taking a breather after surging on expectations that U.S. interest rates will rise further than earlier anticipated due to prospects of increased fiscal stimulus under a Trump administration.

- Chicago soybean futures rose for a fifth consecutive session, hitting their highest in four months, buoyed by strong Chinese demand for U.S. shipments.

Nov 23 - Oil prices rose to their highest level since late October as the market priced in an expected output cut led by producer cartel OPEC, but analysts warned that a failure to agree a cut could lead to a depening supply glut by early 2017.

- Gold prices climbed for a second day, buoyed by an easing U.S. dollar and physical buying in Asia.

- London copper jumped to its highest in a week as investors bet that rising oil prices would stoke inflation, increasing the allure of commodities as a hedge, while falling inventories also supported prices.

- The dollar took a breather as investors consolidated the gains built on expectations of increased fiscal spending and higher inflation under a Trump administration.

- U.S. soybeans rose for a fourth straight session to hit a near one-month high as strong export demand and fund buying underpinned gains.

Billions of dollars in funds exited China's commodities futures in less than a week, the most since February, as regulators curbed speculative trading in a display of Beijing's power to swiftly cool markets. But the large-scale retreat may prove to be temporary as cash-rich Chinese retail investors could soon return to jolt commodities futures, and given China's size, again cause ripples in global markets. Many of these speculators have little investment experience but have loads of cash to gamble with, a combination that often leads to wild price swings. Click here to read full stories.

Nov 21 - Oil prices rose by more than 1 percent as producer cartel OPEC moved closer to an output cut to rein in oversupply that has put pressure on prices for over two years.

- Gold prices rose in Asian trade, snapping a 3-session losing streak, buoyed by physical buying after the metal slid to a 5-1/2-month low on Friday.

- London copper rose, rebounding from a weekly decline last week, and other metals also gained as investors poured into the sector on the prospects for higher inflation in line with rising oil prices next year.

- The dollar held near 13 1/2-year highs against a currency basket in Asian trading, as investors stuck with bets that President-elect Donald Trump's administration would adopt expansionary fiscal policies that will lead to higher interest rises.

- U.S. wheat rose to hit a 11-day high as expectations for reduced plantings and fears of continued dry weather pushed the grain to its longest unbroken rally in three weeks.

Nov 18 - Oil prices fell in early trading as the strengthening U.S. dollar snuffed out rekindled hopes that OPEC might agree production cuts.

- Gold dropped to a 5-1/2-month low and was set for a second week of declines, while London copper futures dropped, as the dollar soared to a 13-1/2-year high against a basket of currencies after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen signalled U.S. interest rates could rise "relatively soon." -

- Chicago wheat futures lost ground with the market on track for a second week of decline as it faced headwinds from a strengthening dollar and forecasts of rain in U.S. regions producing hard red winter wheat.

Nov 17 - Top banks' 9-month commodities revenue down 22 pct - report

Commodities-related revenue at the 12 biggest investment banks fell 22 percent in the first nine months due to weak industrial metals trading and lacklustre investor interest, a report by financial industry analytics firm Coalition said. Revenue from commodity trading, selling derivatives to investors and other activities in the sector slid to $3.1 billion between January to September from from $4 billion in the same period in 2015, the report published on Thursday found.Click here to read full stories.

- Gold steadied as a rally in the U.S. dollar showed signs of fatigue after the currency hit its highest in nearly 14 years against a basket of currencies the day before.

- London copper futures dropped for a third session as the dollar stayed near a 13-1/2-year high, pulling the industrial metal further away from its strongest level since June 2015 after a rally that many doubt could be sustained.

- Chicago soybean futures edged higher as a slight decline in the dollar supported the market even as global supplies capped gains.

German chemicals and healthcare group Bayer AG is selling 4 billion euros ($4.3 billion) worth of mandatory convertible notes to help fund its proposed acquisition of U.S. seeds company Monsanto Co. The issue will be the largest ever mandatory convertible bond for a European issuer and the largest European equity capital markets (ECM) deal in 2016, which has proved a volatile year for markets, leading to the cancellation or delay of several initial public offerings in Europe in recent weeks. Click here to read full stories.

Nov 16 - Oil futures rose, shrugging off an industry report that showed an unexpected build in U.S. crude stocks, and adding to gains of nearly 6 percent from the previous session.

- Gold prices held gains made in the previous session as the U.S. dollar weakened, but lacked impetus to push higher on increased odds of an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve.

- London copper slid for a second session, easing after last week hitting its highest in over a year.

- The dollar retreated from an 11-month high against a basket of currencies, taking a breather from a week-long rally driven by a rise in U.S. bond yields after Donald Trump won the presidential election.

- Chicago soybeans climbed for a second session, with prices underpinned by strong export demand and U.S. data showing oilseed processors in October recorded their third-heaviest crush in history.

Nov 16 - Commodity trader Hartree setting up China JV - source

Privately owned Hartree Capital is setting up a commodities trading joint venture in China with Wanxiang Resources, owned by the world's largest auto parts maker, as it pushes to expand into the country's mammoth markets for industrial materials, a person familiar with the matter said. The venture will be based in Shanghai and is expected to be up and running this year, handling physical commodities and derivatives, said the person.Click here to read full stories.

Nov 15 - Oil prices rose around 2 percent to move away from multi-month lows struck the day before, pushed higher by expectations of falling shale output and renewed optimism that OPEC will deliver on touted production cuts.

- Gold prices edged higher as investors snapped up bars and coins in a wave of physical buying after the metal dropped to its lowest level in nearly six months in the previous session.

- Zinc futures rose sharply in Shanghai on expectations of a pick-up in Chinese demand for steel alloys, with London contracts also climbing.

- The dollar traded within sight of its highest level in more than 13-1/2 years as bond yields soared on expectations that President-elect Donald Trump's economic policies will fuel inflation.

- Chicago soybean futures edged higher snapping two sessions of declines and recovering from its lowest in more than three weeks on support from China's persistent demand.

Nov 14 - Oil prices were little changed near multi-month lows, dragged down by worries about oversupply as OPEC saw record output last month and as the U.S. rig count rose again.

- Gold fell 1 percent to hit its lowest in more than five months, pressured by a stronger U.S. dollar and expectations the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in December.

- The dollar rose to a nine-month high against a basket of major currencies, riding climbing U.S. yields and seen to be at the cusp of a renewed bull phase following Donald Trump's U.S. election win.

- Chicago soybeans slid for a second session to trade near their lowest in three weeks, pressured by ample global supply and a steep decline in Chinese prices.

Nov 11 - Oil prices fell in early trading, as the market refocused on a persistent fuel supply overhang that is not expected to abate unless OPEC and other producers make a significant cut to their output.

- Gold remained volatile in Asian trade and was set for its first weekly decline in four, with investors continuing to mull over the economic outlook after Donald Trump won this week's U.S. presidential election.

- London copper edged back following several days of frenzied gains but was still on course for its biggest weekly jump in five years.

- The dollar hovered near a 3-1/2-month high versus the yen, after making big gains overnight as the markets prepared for a Trump presidency that could stimulate the U.S. economy fiscally and lift interest rates.

- Chicago soybean futures rose 1.7 percent with the market on track for its biggest daily gain in more than two weeks as concerns over lower planting in Argentina underpinned sentiment.

Beyond the short-term volatility as investors become used to the idea of President Donald Trump, the main risk for global commodities is how much of the campaign rhetoric translates into policy reality when the Republican victor moves into the White House. The problem global commodity markets are currently grappling with is that the new U.S. president hasn't articulated well-defined policies, rather his campaign was a series of slogans, threats and somewhat vague promises.Click here to read full stories.

The Tokyo Commodity Exchange (TOCOM) has twice halted trading since early Thursday morning, with at least one of the interruptions caused by heavy trading of contracts following Donald Trump's surprise U.S. presidential election victory. The exchange, which trades rubber and gold among other commodities, halted night trading at 3:15 a.m. Japan time (1815 GMT Wednesday), more than two hours earlier than usual after orders surged and computers almost reached maximum processing capacity, it said.Click here to read full stories.

Nov 10 - Oil prices reversed some early losses to push higher as markets recovered from their initial shock at U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's surprise victory, although traders said that crude fundamentals remained weak.

- Gold crawled up after dipping slightly as global markets took respite from a massive sell-off in risky assets and digested Trump's win, but gains were capped by firmer Asian stocks and a steady dollar.

- London copper jumped 4 percent to its highest in nearly 16 months on expectations that policies under Trump could spur infrastructure spending.

- Chicago corn futures bounced back, underpinned by end-user demand after the market suffered its biggest one-day loss in almost four months on forecasts of higher U.S. output.

Nov 09 - Gold surged nearly 5 percent in its biggest rally since June and oil fell to multi-month lows as Republican Donald Trump scored shock wins to head the race for the White House, leading investors to flee risky assets.

- The dollar took a battering against its major rivals while the Mexican peso plunged to a record low, as global financial markets were rattled by the prospect of a shock win for Trump.

Nov 08 - Oil prices were stable as financial investors and traders were cautiously positioning themselves for a win by Hillary Clinton in the U.S. presidential elections.

- Gold held to a narrow range during Asian hours on a steady U.S. dollar as investors remained wary of the implications of the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.

- London copper prices see-sawed in positive and negative territory after posting hefty overnight gains on growing signs that Hillary Clinton will win the U.S. presidential election over her Republican rival Donald Trump.

- Chicago soybeans rose for a fourth consecutive session to a one-week high as prices were driven up by expectations of higher demand although rising global inventories capped gains.

Nov 07 - Oil prices rose by over 1 percent, with traders citing opportunistic buying after sharp declines in the previous week that brought prices to their lowest since early August because of ongoing weak fundamentals.

- Gold prices fell while London copper reversed initial losses to trade higher in step with a firmer Shanghai futures contract as the U.S. dollar and stocks rallied after federal investigators cleared Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton of criminal charges related to her use of a private email server, just two days before the election.

- Chicago soybeans rose for a third consecutive session as higher demand for U.S. shipments buoyed the market, although gains were limited due to caution ahead of U.S. elections and a key supply-demand report.

- The dollar extended its rally against the yen as risk aversion receded after news that Democrat Hillary Clinton would not face criminal charges related to her use of a private e-mail server gave the U.S. presidential contender an eleventh hour boost.

Nov 04 - Oil prices edged, stabilising after five straight days of falls, although a surge in U.S. crude inventories and doubts over the ability of producers to coordinate output cuts continued to keep a lid on the market.

- Gold eased as the dollar firmed ahead of U.S. jobs data, but looked set for a weekly gain of 2 percent, while investor appetite for the safe-haven asset stayed intact over signs of a close-run U.S. presidential election.

- London copper steadied just below a three-month top, while London zinc hovered near its highest in more than five years supported by a softer dollar and stronger than expected China demand.

- Chicago soybeans and corn slid with both poised for their biggest weekly losses since late August on expectations of further increases in crop yields in next week's U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report.

- The dollar clawed back some ground against its major peers ahead of the U.S. non-farm payrolls report later in the day, but remained captive to jitters over a tightening U.S. presidential election race.

Nov 03 - Crude oil futures rose as an attack on a Nigerian oil pipeline and a weaker U.S. dollar buoyed sentiment in the market, lifting prices from five-week lows.

- Gold rose as uncertainty over the outcome of the U.S. election upheld the safe-haven demand for bullion and weakened the dollar, offsetting signals from the Federal Reserve that it could hike interest rates next month.

- London copper slipped from its highest level in more than three months after a tightening U.S. presidential race sparked profit-taking, but a softer U.S. dollar and encouraging economic signals from top user China cushioned prices.

- Corn rose for the first time in five sessions as end-user buying lifted the market from last session's near three-week low, although ample global supplies capped gains.

- The dollar's losses deepened as positioning for next week's U.S. presidential election overshadowed the Federal Reserve's latest review, where policymakers signalled they were on track to hike rates next month.

Nov 02 - Crude oil prices fell for a fourth day, as jittery investors awaited official U.S. stockpile figures later in the day after industry data showed a surprise build in inventories, underlining a persistent global glut.

- Gold hit a one-month high as investors grew more concerned over the global economic outlook and started looking for safe-haven assets on signs the U.S. presidential election race was tightening.

- London copper fell back from hefty overnight gains, while Shanghai futures held steady, supported by Chinese economic data pointing to robust demand for industrial metals.

- Chicago soybeans slid on Wednesday to their lowest in more than a week on pressure from expectations the U.S. government will further increase its production estimate in next week's supply-demand report.

- The dollar slumped on Wednesday as the U.S. presidential election increasingly looked too close to call, jangling investors' nerves and fuelling demand for perceived havens such as the Japanese yen.

Nov 01 - Oil prices edged higher from one-month lows in early trading in Asia after OPEC agreed on a long-term strategy that was seen as an indication the cartel was reaching a consensus on managing production.

- Gold prices edged lower amid stronger Asian stocks and a steady U.S. dollar, with investors awaiting cues from a series of upcoming central bank policy meetings and U.S. economic data.

- London zinc rose for a fourth consecutive session, trading near its highest in five years on expectations of tight supplies after Glencore said it had closed one of its mines in Australia.

- Chicago soybean futures edged higher, supported by strong Chinese demand, while wheat lost ground after a short-covering rally in the last session.

- The dollar edged higher as the final days of the contentious U.S. presidential campaign overshadowed other major market events, as investors weighed the latest concerns about an FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server.

Oct 31 - Oil prices extended declines after non-OPEC producers made no specific commitment to join OPEC in limiting oil output levels to prop up prices, suggesting they wanted the oil producing group to solve its differences first.

- Gold prices held steady on Monday amid a firm dollar, with markets anxiously awaiting the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting for insight on the timing of a potential U.S. interest rate hike.

- London copper hit its highest in nearly three weeks on stronger than expected demand from China but was still set to close flat for the month, while aluminium tracked coal prices to push towards a stronger finish for a second month in a row.

- U.S. soybeans steadied after losses of more than 1 percent in the previous session, as strong export demand offset pressure from ample global supplies.

- The dollar edged up, staying on track for a monthly gain, but remained shy of recent highs as investors became less sure that Hillary Clinton would win the U.S. presidential election after the FBI's new probe into her private email use.

Oct 28 - Oil prices were steady, but on track for a weekly loss of more than 2 percent on uncertainty over whether OPEC would be able to coordinate a production cut big enough to curb a global glut that has dogged markets for two years.

- Gold rose as the dollar held steady near a three-month high and with Asian stocks subdued, staying on track for a second straight weekly gain ahead of the U.S. third-quarter GDP data expected later in the day.

- London copper prices dipped following overnight gains, while Shanghai futures were firmer amid expectations that physical demand in China would pick up.

- Chicago soybean prices rose for a third consecutive session, with the market on track for its biggest weekly gain since early July on support from strong demand for U.S. supplies.

Oct 27 - Oil prices were stable, but remained below $50 a barrel, as doubts over OPEC's ability to organise a coordinated production cut weighed on markets, while firm demand and concerns over Venezuela's stability offered support.

- London copper prices eased back from near their highest in two weeks, after sharp rallies earlier this week on brightening prospects for the U.S. economy and after a rally across China's steel sector that fuelled speculative buying in base metals.

- U.S. soybeans hit a more than two-month high, buoyed by expectations a U.S. Department of Agriculture report later in the session would confirm strong export demand for the oilseed.

- The dollar held steady near a three-month high against the yen, as rises in U.S. bond yields and expectations for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this year helped underpin the greenback.

Oct 26 - Oil prices fell more than a percent as a report showing a surge in U.S. crude stocks, rising production in Nigeria and squabbling among producers about a planned output cut re-ignited concerns about a global supply glut.

- Shanghai aluminium jumped 4 percent to its highest in more than two years, tracking higher coal prices, and a broader reaction to China's steel capacity cuts, along with an improving outlook for the global economy.

- Underpinned by expectations U.S. rates will rise by the year-end, the dollar held steady in Asia trading, just below a near nine-month peak struck overnight, while the Australian dollar gained as inflation data doused chances of a rate cut there.

Oct 25 - Oil prices dipped as disagreement flared within producer cartel OPEC on who should cut how much production in a planned coordinated reduction to prop up prices.

- Gold prices edged up, underpinned by healthy demand, but an increasing probability of a U.S. interest rate hike and a firm U.S. dollar kept prices range-bound.

- Shanghai zinc surged by its 5-percent upside limit to the highest since 2011, as a cut in capacity across China's steel and coal sectors buoyed prices of steelmaking ingredients.

- Chicago wheat futures dropped, falling for a fourth consecutive session, to trade near its lowest in more than a week on pressure from a firm dollar and ample global supplies.

Oct 24 - Oil prices fell as Iraq said it wanted to be exempt from any deal by producer cartel OPEC to cut production to prop up the market, and as U.S. drillers stepped up work.

- Gold nudged lower amid uncertainty about the timing of an interest hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve, while a stronger dollar added to pressure on bullion.

- London copper climbed after supply in China's domestic market tightened, more than offsetting a stronger dollar and expectations of ample supply next year.

- U.S. wheat slid for a third straight session, falling to its lowest in more than a week as plentiful global supplies dragged down the market.

Oct 21 - Gold edged down as the dollar strengthened, but was on track for its first weekly gain in four weeks on steady physical buying from China and exchange-traded funds.

- Oil prices were stable, weighed down by a stronger dollar but supported by signs fuel markets are balancing after two years of oversupply.

- London copper was set for a third weekly fall on worries about cooling demand, while aluminium was on track for its biggest weekly drop since at least early September after record China production fuelled concerns of oversupply.

- Chicago soybeans were set to post a third week of gains as strong U.S. exports buoyed the market, with focus likely to shift to South American plantings in the weeks ahead.

Oct 20 - Gold prices were stable early, after rising 0.5 percent in the previous session, with markets keeping a close watch on the final U.S. presidential debate between candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

- Oil prices dipped on profit taking after markets rallied the previous day due to a draw in U.S. stocks and an expectation of an OPEC-led cut in production.

- London copper traded little changed in trade marked by low volumes as the final U.S. presidential debate got underway, while China's steps to cool its real estate market, a key metals user, also dampened buying interest.

- Chicago soybean futures rose for a second session, trading near a three-week high reached earlier this week with prices underpinned by firm demand, led by top importer China.

- The euro stood near a three-month low ahead of a European Central Bank meeting, while the Mexican peso rose to a six-week high after the conclusion of the final U.S. presidential debate before the November election.

Oct 19 - Gold prices held on to gains, after rising 0.6 percent the session before on a weaker U.S. dollar, but rising equities capped gains.

- Oil prices rose, lifted by a report of a drop in U.S. crude inventories and declining production in China, while an upbeat OPEC statement on its planned output cut also supported the market.

- London copper was steady after China's economic growth met expectations in the third quarter, but an impending slowdown in real estate growth painted a mixed outlook for copper demand.

- Chicago soybeans ticked up, rising for a fourth session out of five as strong demand underpinned prices, but expectations of a record U.S. crop capped gains.

Oct 18 - Gold prices edged up for a second session as the U.S. dollar weakened, but rising equities capped gains amid speculation over when the U.S. Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.

- Oil prices rose early as some analysts said markets might not be quite as oversupplied as suggested by many, with global inventories rising less than expected ahead of the high-demand winter heating season in the northern hemisphere.

- London copper edged higher as the dollar eased from seven-month highs, while nickel found some support from data that showed a drop in mine supply.

- Chicago soybeans were little changed, trading near last session's highest in more than three weeks, with prices underpinned by strong demand and firm edible oil markets.

Oct 18 - Higher Crude Oil, Palm Oil Prices Push Up Singapore Stocks (Dow Jones)The FTSE Straits Times Index is trading 0.2% higher at 2,822.54 Tuesday helped by higher crude oil and palm oil prices. Palm oil plantation company Golden Agri-Resources is one of the most heavily traded stocks, up 4.1%, followed by Noble Group, which is trading 1.7% higher. Among energy and marine service industry stocks, Ezion Holdings is up 1.5% while Ezra has gained 1.8% so far. Keppel Corp is trading 0.2% higher. Among banking stocks, DBS Group and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. are up 0.6% each, while United Overseas Bank is up 0.4%. Singapore Press Holdings is trading down 0.5% at S$3.72.

Oct 17 - Gold prices edged up slightly as the U.S. dollar gave up some gains and bargain hunters used dips to accumulate the precious metal.

- Oil prices fell early, pulled down by a rising rig count in the United States, a strong dollar and record OPEC-output which comes amid slowing global economic growth that could erode fuel demand.

- London copper held above a one-month low after remarks by the Federal Reserve chair suggested the U.S. central bank may stick with loose monetary policy for longer, which shored up investor appetite for commodities.

- Chicago corn and soybean futures rose for a third consecutive session, with prices underpinned by short-covering and strong demand.

Oct 14 - Plunging pound and threats put EU farm workers off the UK

For the last 18 years, Jerzy Kwapniewski has left his home in Poland to spend the summer months picking apples and hops on a farm in central England. He plans to look for work in Germany next year. The 50-year-old seasonal worker is one of many east Europeans who, shaken by the fallout from Britain's vote to leave the EU, have either left the country early or indicated a reluctance to return next year. Click here to read full stories.

Oct 14 - Gold prices edged lower as stocks firmed and the U.S. dollar rose on expectations the Federal Reserve would raise interest rates by the end of the year.

- London copper hovered near a one-month low after poor Chinese trade data stoked jitters about demand in the world's top metals user, while zinc and lead faced steep weekly falls on the prospect of improving supply.

- Chicago wheat climbed for a second session, with the market poised for its biggest weekly gain in almost a year as strong demand prompted investors to cover short positions.

Oct 13 - Gold prices rose as the U.S. dollar pared early gains and equities plunged on Chinese trade data that stoked concerns about the health of the world's No.2 economy.

- Oil prices fell after OPEC said its production had risen to the highest level in at least eight years and following reports of an increase in U.S. crude stockpiles.

- London copper slipped after China's September trade data showed a sharp decline in exports, raising fresh concerns about the health of the world's No.2 economy and biggest user of metals.

- Chicago corn and wheat futures rebounded after dropping more than 2 percent in the last session after U.S. government estimates of bin-busting supplies.

London-based energy hedge fund firm Andurand Capital made gains of 11.1 percent after fees in the year to end-September in its Commodities Fund, a source close to the matter told Reuters. Andurand has amassed $1.36 billion in assets under management since it was founded by prominent oil trader Pierre Andurand in 2013, more than doubling from around $615 million in December 2015.

Oct 12 - Japan's JBIC says cautious on lending to resource sector

Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), a major backer of mining and energy projects for Japanese companies, said it will be cautious on lending to the resources sector despite a rally in commodity prices this year. With oil prices surging around 40 percent in 2016 and coal up by more than 50 percent, many argue that a slump in commodities since the global financial crisis is over.

Oct 12 - Gold edged higher as the U.S. dollar retreated, with markets waiting for minutes from the September Federal Reserve policy meeting for more clues on any interest rate hikes this year.

- Crude futures inched up, with investors waiting for talks between OPEC producers and other oil exporters on curbing output to end a glut in the global market.

- London zinc partly recovered after posting its sharpest daily fall in more than 10 months after a major miner said it planned to double output next year, which pummelled zinc prices in Shanghai.

- Chicago wheat ticked lower after two days of gains as investors positioned themselves ahead of the U.S. government's monthly report on the supply and demand of agricultural products.

Oct 11 - Gold prices edged lower after two sessions of gains, with the U.S. dollar strengthening amid speculation the Federal Reserve will raise U.S. interest rates in December.

- Oil prices edged down but held near one-year highs touched on growing expectations of an output cut by OPEC producers, with traders saying the price outlook remains bullish as confidence in crude markets rises.

- London copper drifted as the dollar held strong after recent solid economic reports, although optimism that U.S. presidential candidate Hilary Clinton was pulling ahead in the polls fed appetite for risk, limiting losses.

- Chicago wheat rose for a second session as concerns over dryness in U.S. wheat growing regions and excessive rains in Australia's grain belt prompted investors to cover short positions.

Oct 10 - Gold rose for the second straight session, after falling in the preceding eight, buoyed by post-holiday buying in China and a weaker dollar, while a slowdown in U.S. job growth bolstered expectations that U.S. interest rate hikes would only be gradual.

- Oil prices fell over doubts that an OPEC-led plan to cut output would rein in a global oversupply that has dogged markets for over two years.

- London nickel rose as Chinese markets returned after a week-long break and traders bought the metal, which fell last week when Indonesian officials said they were considering reinstating nickel ore exports.

- Chicago wheat rose with the market snapping two sessions of decline as dry weather in parts of the U.S. winter wheat growing areas raised concerns over supplies.

- The Mexican peso surged, as markets trimmed the chance of a victory by Republican nominee Donald Trump in his U.S. presidential bid after his campaign was rocked by crisis following revelations he had mad vulgar comments about women.

Oct 07 - Gold fell for a ninth straight session on a stronger dollar ahead of key U.S. jobs data and the metal was headed for its worst weekly dip in nearly a year on increased expectations of a Federal Reserve rate rise by year end.

- U.S. oil futures held above $50 per barrel as the entire crude forward curve pushed above above that level in a sign that financial markets have increasing confidence in the sector.

- London copper was facing its biggest weekly fall in six weeks on Friday, with weakness set to extend into next week on a stronger dollar and concerns about fresh curbs on China's property market, a key consumer of the metal.

- Chicago soybeans were on track to post their first weekly rise in a month, with strong demand underpinning the market, although harvesting of a record-large U.S. crop limited gains.

- Sterling recouped some of its losses after a precipitous plunge to a fresh 31-year low, but traders say the currency remains vulnerable to renewed selling due to anxiety over a "hard" exit by Britain from the European Union.

Oct 06 - Commodities to struggle to regain stance in portfolios - JPM

Commodities will battle to regain a prized place in many portfolios after the "super cycle" fizzled out and in a world of muted global growth, executives at JP Morgan Asset Management said. The sector could, however, claw back a shred of its former glory by providing some diversification benefits, they said during a conference by the fund manager in London this week. Click here to read full stories.

Oct 06 - Gold prices slipped as the dollar firmed and equities rose ahead of Friday's non-farm payrolls report that should bolster expectations of a U.S. interest rate hike that would push investors to exit their bullion holdings.

- Oil prices eased but remained near June highs reached the previous session when they were buoyed by a fall in U.S. crude inventories.

- London copper slipped in very low volumes as a stronger dollar weighed on commodities and a week-long holiday in China drained the market of direction.

- Chicago wheat rose for a second session to trade near an almost two-week high hit in the previous session on short-covering and expectations of strong demand for U.S. shipments.

- The dollar stuck to narrow ranges against its major rivals in Asian trade, ahead of this week's nonfarm payrolls report that could reinforce expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will hike interest rates by December.

Oct 05 - Gold rose, bouncing back from hitting its lowest in more than three months in the previous session, as the U.S. dollar eased back from a two-month high and stocks fell.

- Oil prices rose in early trading after a report that U.S. fuel inventories may have fallen for a fifth straight week, but contracts remained near the $50 marker where many traders currently see fair value for crude.

- London copper was marking time, underpinned by a softer dollar and expectations that China's metal demand will slowly and steadily improve into the fourth quarter.

- U.S. corn edged lower for the first time in four sessions on ample global supply, retreating from its highest in more than two months touched the day before.

Oct 04 - Gold fell to its lowest in over two-weeks as the dollar gained strength after upbeat U.S. economic data .

- Oil prices dipped on a rise in Iranian exports that adds to a global supply overhang, but a planned OPEC-led production cut later this year offered some support.

- London copper edged up in low-volume trade after an encouraging U.S. factory report helped brighten the outlook for metals demand, following improving signals in China and Europe.

- Chicago soybean prices edged lower, snapping a three-session rally and easing from their highest in more than a week as a pick up in the pace of U.S. harvesting kept a lid on the market.

- The dollar rose against the yen and euro, boosted by an upbeat U.S. manfacturing sector survey, while the pound wallowed near a three-decade low on concerns over a potential "hard Brexit" for Britain.

Oct 03 - Gold edged lower on a firmer dollar and a gain in equities, with the yellow metal losing its safe-haven appeal as concerns about Deutsche Bank's health eased.

- Oil prices fell away from $50 per barrel despite an agreement last week by exporters to cut output, with traders doubting the step was enough to rein in production that has exceeded consumption for the better part of three years.

- Copper steadied near eight-week highs after posting its biggest monthly gain in more than a year-and-a-half as improving Chinese economic data brightened the outlook for demand from the world's top consumer.

- Chicago corn futures rose for a second session, climbing to a one-week high as the market was underpinned by lower-than-expected inventories in the United States due to strong demand from animal feed makers.

- Sterling hit seven-week lows after Britain set a March deadline to begin its exit from the European Union, while the dollar firmed as fears about Deutshe Bank receded and investors looked to this week's U.S. jobs data.

Sep 30 - Gold inched up as equities fell on the back of worries about the health of Deutsche Bank, spurring some safe-haven demand for the yellow metal, but a firmer dollar capped gains and the metal was on track to end the week down over 1 percent.

- Oil prices dropped as investors took profits following a 7-percent rise in the last two sessions, amid doubts that OPEC's first planned output cut in eight years would make a substantial dent in the global crude glut.

- Lead and tin steadied near multi-month highs and were heading for their biggest quarterly gains in at least three years, bolstered by tighter supply and falling inventories.

- Chicago soybeans eased, set for a third week of decline on prospects for higher yields than estimated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, although strong demand kept a floor under the market.

- The safe haven Swiss franc held firm as concerns about the health of Deutsche Bank undermined risk sentiment, while the Japanese yen looked set for its third straight quarter of gains despite suffering a slight loss on the day.

Sep 29 - Gold edged up as the U.S. dollar weakened in the wake of an oil producer agreement to curb output.

- London lead futures climbed to the highest since May last year amid worries over tighter supply in top market China and elsewhere, while nickel held near seven-week highs on similar supply risks from top ore exporter Philippines.

- Chicago soybeans bounced back, rising almost 1 percent on strong demand from top importer China, although expectations of a quickened pace for the U.S. harvest capped gains.

- The Commodity-linked currencies held firm after OPEC agreed to cut oil output in the first such deal since 2008, boosting oil prices while a broad gain in risk assets dented the yen.

Sep 28 - Gold inched lower to touch a one-week low, after suffering its biggest single-day loss in nearly a month in the previous session, on a firmer dollar.

- Oil prices rose in mixed trading, after sharp losses in the previous session, as industry data showed a surprise draw in U.S. crude stocks, although worries over a lack of agreement among producers to curb output kept a lid on gains.

- London nickel futures held near seven-week highs after the Philippines said 20 more mines may be suspended for environmental violations, threatening supply from the world's top nickel ore exporter.

- Chicago soybeans futures eased, falling for three out of four sessions on expectations dry weather in the days ahead will boost U.S. harvest which has been hit by heavy rains.

- The yen flirted with one-month highs, recovering from losses following Tuesday's U.S. presidential debate, and the euro retreated on concerns over the health of the European financial system.

Sep 27 - Gold edged lower as equity markets bounced back and the Mexican peso surged in Asian trade, hinting that investors viewed Democrat Hillary Clinton as the winner of her first U.S. presidential debate with Republican Donald Trump.

- Crude futures slipped in Asian trade as investors took profits after prices climbed more than 3 percent in the previous session.

- Nickel dropped more than 2 percent, falling for a second day on speculation that expected mine closures in the Philippines, the world's biggest nickel ore supplier, may not limit supply as much as originally thought.

- Chicago soybeans futures rose, recovering from last session's over one-week low, as a U.S. government report showed the harvest across the Midwest lagged expectations following heavy rains.

Sep 26 - Gold prices edged lower as the dollar firmed, though the market is focused on the outcome of the U.S. presidential debate later today that could see investors buying more of the metal as a hedge against financial uncertainty.

- Crude prices rebounded after Algeria's energy minister said the day before that all options were possible for an oil output cut or freeze at this week's informal meeting of OPEC producers.

- London nickel prices eased, taking a breather after climbing for the last five sessions to a six-week high on concerns over the possibility of mine suspensions in the Philippines.

- Chicago soybeans prices edged up, recovering from their lowest in more than a week hit earlier in the session on forecasts of dry weather that is expected to help harvesting of a record U.S. crop.

Sep 23 - Gold edged down, after touching a two-week high in the previous session, on a stronger dollar, but was on track for its biggest weekly gain in nearly two months.

- Oil prices eased, pulled down by a technical sell-off following two sessions of strong rises and on caution ahead of a gathering of OPEC ministers next week in Algeria to dicuss possible production cooperation to rein in global oversupply.

- London nickel slipped, but was still on track for a nearly 9 percent gain, its biggest weekly gain since July, as markets braced for more Philippine mine suspensions amid an environmental crackdown on the sector.

- Chicago corn slid for a third consecutive session as U.S. farmers made progress in gathering an all-time high crop after rains disrupted harvest last week.

Sep 22 - Gold prices edged lower as investors booked profits after a 1.5 percent rise in the previous session, opting for riskier assets like equities after the U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at the end of a two-day policy meeting.

- Oil prices rose around 1 percent, extending gains from the previous session after a surprise third consecutive weekly U.S. crude inventory draw tightened the market.

- London nickel jumped by 1.5 percent to its highest in six weeks as investors bet on the prospects of a wide reaching suspension of mining in Philippines crimping supply to China.

- Chicago soybeans futures bounced back, rising for five out of six sessions, with prices buoyed by forecasts of more rains in the U.S. Midwest that threaten to further delay the harvest.

- The dollar hit a near 4-week low against the yen after the U.S. Federal Reserve kept monetary policy steady and projected a less aggressive path for interest rates hikes in coming years.

Sep 21 - Gold prices edged lower as the dollar rose after the Bank of Japan overhauled its stimulus programme, with investors turning their focus to the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy outcome on interest rates later in the day.

- Oil prices climbed, supported by a reported draw in U.S. crude inventories and by firm import data from Japan. London copper eased from four-week highs as the dollar rose ahead of key decisions by the Japanese and U.S. central banks, but expectations of a pick-up in demand from China underpinned prices.

- Chicago soybeans fell for the first time in five sessions, with the market taking a breather after climbing to a one-month high in the last session on concerns over rains delaying the U.S. harvest.

- The yen weakened against the dollar and euro after the Bank of Japan altered its policy framework, and investors bought back the U.S. currency ahead of the outcome of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting later in the session.

Sep 20 - Gold rose for a second straight session as equities wavered ahead of a two-day U.S. Federal Reserve meeting in which interest rates are mostly expected to remain unchanged.

- Oil prices fell after Venezuela said that global supplies needed to fall by 10 percent in order to bring production down to consumption levels, and technical indicators also pointed to cheaper crude futures.

- London copper and nickel dipped as the dollar edged higher, but encouraging economic signals from China offered some support to prices.

- Chicago soybeans rose for a fourth straight session as excessive rains in parts of the U.S. Midwest delayed harvest and raised concerns about crop quality.

- Major currencies came to a standstill as investors look to this week's policy meetings of the Bank of Japan and Federal Reserve, with speculation rife that the Japanese central bank will make crucial changes to its easing programme.

Sep 19 - Global commodity investments at record high for Jan-Aug: Barclays

Investments in commodities were at their highest ever from January through August compared to the same period in any year, while global commodity assets under management (AUM) stood at $235 billion in August, Barclays said in a monthly note on Thursday.In terms of investments, August saw an inflow of $3.2 billion into commodities, compared with $2.4 billion in July. Click here to read full stories.

Sep 19 - Gold rose, after touching a two-week low in the prior session, as the dollar softened, but caution ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision kept a lid on prices.

- Oil prices rose almost 2 percent, after Venezuela said OPEC and non-OPEC producers were close to reaching an output stabilizing deal and as clashes in Libya raised concerns that efforts to restart crude exports could be disrupted.

- London copper dropped nearly 1 percent while London nickel jumped in volatile trade as Chinese markets returned from an extended autumn break.

- Chicago soybeans climbed more than one percent to a one-week high and corn gained more ground, with prices underpinned by rains in parts of the U.S. Midwest that delayed the harvest.

Sep 16 - Gold held steady amid lower trading activity because of Asian holidays but was set for its first weekly loss in three as investors were choosing more riskier assets such as equities rather than holding value in the yellow metal.

- Oil prices fell on worries that U.S. rig counts would continue to rise and that returning Libyan and Nigerian exports would stoke a global supply glut.

- London copper edged to a three-week peak amid holiday-thinned trade, and was set to log its largest weekly rise in two months as China's economy shows signs of finding its feet.

- Chicago soybeans and corn futures lost ground with both poised for a decline of more than three percent this week as harvest of all-time high U.S. crops pressure prices.

- The dollar eased versus the yen, struggling to gain traction after lacklustre U.S. economic data further dampened already low expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate hike next week.

Sep 15 - Gold prices held steady after breaking a five-day losing streak in the previous session, as uncertain equity markets ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve meeting next week boosted the metal's safe-haven appeal.

- London copper was treading water, a day after posting its biggest daily rise in three months as traders closed short positions following encouraging Chinese economic data and ahead of a spate of holidays.

- Oil prices rebounded in early Asian trade after falling around 3 percent in the previous session, supported by an unexpected fall in U.S. crude inventories.

- Chicago corn futures rose for a second session, recovering from one-week lows on expectations of further reductions in estimates for U.S. corn yields.

- The yen firmed in Asian trade as investors' looked for safe havens in the face of weakening share markets, though major currency pairs were otherwise little changed ahead of next week's Bank of Japan and Federal Reserve policy meetings.

Sep 14 - Gold held steady after falling 0.6 percent in the prior session, as the dollar slipped amid expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve was unlikely to raise rates next week.

- Oil prices rebounded in Asian trade after falling by as much as 3 percent in the previous session, as data from an industry group showed a smaller-than-expected build in U.S. crude stocks.

- London copper London copper hovered close to three-week highs after brighter economic indicators in the United States and China offered more evidence of a global recovery, but expectations of growing supply kept prices in check.

- Chicago soybeans gained ground as the market took a breather after dropping to a near two-week low in the last session on estimates of all-time high U.S. production.

- The yen slipped broadly after a report that the Bank of Japan is considering further monetary easing steps, including taking interest rates deeper into negative territory.

Sep 13 - Gold edged higherafter comments by a top Federal Reserve official reduced prospects of a U.S. interest rate hike next week.

- Oil prices fell on concerns over increased drilling in the United States and as investors took profits after oil prices rose close to 1 percent in the previous session.

- London copper held above a 12-week low, underpinned by a raft of rosier China data and after comments by a Federal Reserve official that assuaged concerns the U.S. central bank could hike rates as soon as next week.

- Chicago soybean futures edged up, recouping some of the previous session's deep losses, although a key U.S. government report showing production outstripping demand continued to keep a lid on gains.

- The dollar inched higher against the yen but remained below the previous day's high, having taken a hit after dovish comments from a Federal Reserve policymaker reduced bets that the Fed would raise interest rates this month.

Sep 12 - Gold was little changed as a fall in stock markets helped to win it safe-haven support against the view that the U.S. Federal Reserve will raise rates as early as this month following upbeat comments by central bank officials last week.

- Crude prices fell over 1.5 percent after U.S. oil drillers added rigs to look for new production as producers adapt to cheaper crude, with speculators cutting positions betting on further price rises.

- London copper slipped to its weakest level since late June after risk aversion roiled wider markets, and investors turn increasingly bearish on the metal given prospects for rising supply.

- The dollar began the week on the back foot as a bout of risk aversion underpinned the yen, though losses were limited as the U.S. currency garnered some support on renewed talk of a possible rate hike by the Federal Reserve as early as this month.

U.S. commodities and derivatives firms, including exchanges and clearinghouses, would have to frequently test their information technology for vulnerabilities under final rules approved Thursday by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).The CFTC's rules are intended to promote flexibility as hacking methods evolve, and to help firms stay up-to-date on the best responses to cyber attacks. The new rules also aim to help companies recover quickly from incursions. Click here to read full stories.

Sep 09 - Gold held steady early on a weaker dollar and was on track for its second successive weekly gain.

- Oil prices pulled back on profit-taking after settling more than 4 percent higher a day earlier, following a surprisingly huge drawdown in U.S. crude stocks as Gulf Coast imports slumped to a record low.

- London copper was set to edge higher for a second week in the wake of the northern hemisphere summer lull, while prices have also been cushioned by a softer dollar.

- Chicago corn futures eased from a two-week high as the market took a breather after a short-covering rally which lifted prices 7.3 percent in the past five sessions.

Sep 08 - Gold was steady, after dipping 0.3 percent in the prior session, as the dollar remained weak and investors awaited cues on monetary stimulus from a ECB policy meeting due later in the day.

- Oil prices extended gains by more than 1.5 percent after industry data showed what might be the largest weekly drawdown in crude stocks in over three decades.

- London copper was holding near its highest level in a fortnight, after a string of softening economic reports pushed back U.S. rate hike expectations.

- Chicago corn futures climbed to a two-week high, buoyed by short-covering after prices dropped to multi-year lows last week under pressure from expectations of a record U.S. crop.

- The yen held on to its recent gains as markets looked ahead to a speech by BoJ Deputy Governor later in the day for clues on what the central bank might do at its policy review later this month.

Sep 07 - Gold rose to a fresh two-and-a-half-week high after gaining nearly 2 percent in the previous session, as disappointing U.S. economic data reinforced expectations the U.S. Federal Reserve will keep rates on hold in September.

- Oil prices erased early losses to trade higher, but gains were limited as market participants remained sceptical producers would reach an agreement to freeze output to rein in a global supply glut.

- London copper rose to the highest in two weeks as a falling dollar spurred demand for commodities given fading prospects of a U.S. interest rate hike in September.

- Chicago soybeans rose for a fourth consecutive session, with prices underpinned by strong demand and concerns over excessive wet weather delaying the U.S. harvest.

- The yen charged ahead after downbeat U.S. economic data made a U.S. interest rate increase this month unlikely, prompting investors to trim their dollar bets and triggering stop-loss orders in early Asian trade.

Sep 06 - Gold held steady early from the prior session as the dollar weakened on expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will not raise rates in September, but the yellow metal's gains were limited by stronger equity markets.

- Crude prices extended gains, buoyed after top producers Russia and Saudi Arabia agreed to cooperate on stabilising the oil market, but a lack of immediate action to rein in output capped gains.

- London copper hovered near two-month lows, with signs of oversupply from a flood of inventory into exchange stocks amid a modest pick-up in demand.

- Chicago wheat fell while corn dipped as grain markets opened after a long weekend, with ample wheat supplies and an upcoming harvest of a record high U.S. corn crop denting prices.

Sep 05 - Gold held steady after climbing as much as over 1 percent in the previous session as a weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data trimmed expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September.

- London copper hovered near its weakest in two months as the dollar gained ground and as investors bet that more mine supply would drag on prices for the rest of the year.

Sep 02 - Crude prices rose after losses of more than 3 percent a day earlier, with investors treading cautiously ahead of key U.S. employment data that will help gauge the health of the world's largest economy and oil consumer.

- Gold was steady after falling to its lowest in over two months the session before, with the dollar slipping as weak U.S. manufacturing data raised doubts on the economy's strength ahead of closely-watched nonfarm payroll numbers.

- London copper held steady, while lead and zinc hit year-to-date highs as the dollar fell ahead of a key U.S. jobs report later in the session that is likely to dictate short-term direction in metals markets.

- Chicago wheat futures rose for a second session with short-covering ahead of the U.S. Labor Day holiday long weekend supporting prices although the market is poised for a second week of declines amid plentiful world supplies.

- The dollar was on the back foot after taking a tumble following a surprise contraction in U.S. manufacturing, which cast some doubts on the strength of U.S. economic growth ahead of closely-watched employment data later in the day.

U.S. financial regulators gave over-the-counter (OTC) swap dealers an extra month to comply with new derivatives trading rules set to take effect on Thursday, after Asia's market ground to a near halt due to uncertainty about changes that could increase global funding costs by more than $500 billion. The rules directly affect U.S. and Japanese banks, which will be required to post and collect collateral or "margin" against OTC trades,a development set to dramatically raise the cost of trading in the $500 trillion global swaps market.Click here to read full stories

Sep 01 - Gold held steady above two-month lows hit in the previous session while oil prices rose in the early Asian trade after the dollar gave up gains as investors wait for clues to the next U.S. interest rate hike from the nonfarm payrolls report on Friday.

Mark Schulze and Jason Vogt, veterans of Cargill and its Black River Asset Management unit, are preparing to launch their own commodity-focused hedge fund, according to a person familiar with the situation. The two men set up Minneapolis-based Twin Harvest Capital Partners in August and plan to begin investing sometime next year with approximately $100 million, said the person, who requested anonymity because the information is private.

Crude oilfutures rose around half a dollar and remained near 2016 highs on the back of strong investor sentiment and a weak dollar, although analysts warned this month's bull-run could soon run out of steam. Gold ticked higher for a third straight session on Wednesday on a softer dollar and weak U.S. economic data, but the metal traded in a tight range as investors waited for the Federal Reserve's policy decision later in the session. The dollar remained subdued after a broad retreat overnight ahead of policy decisions by both the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan, while the Australian dollar tumbled after data showed core inflation unexpectedly slowed to the lowest on record. Copperslid for a third straight session as worries over demand in top consumer China outweighed support from a softer dollar. Malaysian palm oil futures dipped in early trade as the ringgit recovered from a one-week low against the dollar, while expected demand ahead of Ramadan was seen limiting losses.